Public Defender III
The candidate: Appears and advocates in court at pre-trial hearings, bench or jury trials, sentencing, and other court hearings in these cases. Negotiates plea bargains, dismissals, or other disposition of assigned cases with prosecuting attorneys. Investigates facts and prepares defense for assigned cases to determine the merits of cases and appropriate court of action in most serious and complex cases. Interviews, confers and advises clients on merits of appropriate course of actions, including seeking a dismissal, plea, or trial. Locates and interviews witnesses. Conducts discovery, including depositions. Plans case strategy and prepares for trial. Maintains appropriate communications with client about the status of their case and answers client questions. May direct work of investigators consistent with internal office policies. Serves as Assistant Local Defender, making decisions in the absence of the Local Public Defender, or as delegated by the Local Public Defender. Trains and provides guidance and mentoring to new attorneys and law student interns, meeting with the attorney or student to discuss cases, observing court practice, and reviewing other written work. Identifies potential legal issues to advance client's case, research applicable law, and draft appropriate motions and brief in most serious and complex cases. Prepares by typing and printing various legal documents, including written arraignments, written guilty pleas, motions, briefs, letters and other documents in these cases. Maintain client case files, prepare public defender time reports to the court and close files consistent with office policies. Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Iowa, and experience equal to five years of full time work in professional legal criminal trial advocacy or prosecution.
Application deadline: 07/02/18.